Umpiring 101

Some observations to review early in the season.

Plate Meeting

When you hold your plate meeting, the Head coach's from both teams should represent their teams. Exceptions would be if it is a game other than the first of a series, or unforeseen circumstances. This can become an issue because, as we all know, because we only talk to the head coach. If the HC refuses to attend, make sure your Crew is all on the same page as to who you will have communication with. This will prevent an ambush on you. Be firm, yet fair on this.

Keep the Players in the Dugout

Players will be full of energy at the start of a new season, and seem to like to roam around out of the confinement of the dugout. We enforce this  because it is a safety issue. I recommend this be included in your plate meeting with the coach's.It has also been a Point of Emphasis  in the recent past, that we have been instructed to enforce. Make sure that the coach's and the players understand what you have told them. Don't ignore or not enforce this situation. You will lose the respect of baseball people by giving them a directive, then not enforcing it. Your in charge, be in charge.

Flow of the Game

Keeping the game moving is a Game Management skill that the Top Umpires possess. It keeps everybody focused on the game and in a rhythm. Here are 3 tips to achieve this:

1) Count the pitches in between innings. You know the drill here

2)Have an adequate supply of baseballs in your ball bags When I get down to 3 in my bag, I request 3 more. Do not wait for players to retrieve foul balls. Hold the home team responsible for meeting the demand.

3) Call strikes.You need to establish your zone early. We have been instructed  to use the whole strike zone. Specifically calling higher strikes. I know it can be difficult for some to do this, but it is not optional. We can all do this and maintain consistency. I have never heard comments from coaches for calling strikes and encouraging the players to swing the bat. About 3 years ago while having a postgame meeting in the Ft. Myers Ale House, it was brought to my attention that while most umpires will expand the outside corner, most declare the inside corner off limits. Time to change your thinking! If the pitcher can hit that spot, and the catcher can receive it properly, why are these pitches not being called strikes? Use the whole plate.

Game Reporting

All groups now either use the Arbiter or Assignbyweb. It is part of our job to submit a game report within the time period requested. It is also how most of us get paid. get used to this. It is not going away.

Comments and Ideas

Please let me know any of your ideas or questions. I am interested in all of them

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